NCBA News continued from the previous page Eyes Peeled for Pitfalls - Despite a generally optimistic view of the role cattle producers can and do play in environmental stewardship, Coombe is not taking the recently announced 30x30 details without a grain of salt. When he looks back at the programs implemented on his own operation, largely funded and backed by New York’s Watershed Agricultural Council, he sees the balance of power as a key ingredient to long term success. “Where we have to be cautious with 30x30 is that the successful programs we’re talking about [in New York], they’re supported by government agencies, but they are run by farmers with support from agricultural experts,” he said. Likewise, NCBA’s policy team is not letting pleasant promises distract from drilling down hard into the potential pitfalls of the administration’s plan. “We were pleased to see USDA and the Department of the Interior
incorporate many of the recommendations of America’s farmers and ranchers into their first real framework for 30x30,” said Kaitlynn Glover, NCBA executive director of natural resources. “This plan is a productive starting point that builds on the input of a diverse array of stakeholders – but it is just that, a starting point.” In the months to come, Glover said the real work will be to hold the administration, federal agencies, and Congress to the promises they have made in initial conversations with agriculture industry groups. Lane agreed, “Just because this is a good start, doesn’t mean that we’re done here. We’re going to have a lot of work left to do and a lot of areas of concern. Things like changes to grazing rights in the West, establishing new migration corridors for wildlife, or any other large land designations that could change what multiple use looks like for our producers
News Celebrating 80 years of taking the guesswork out of building the right herd for every farmer to feed the world. Present in 70 countries, ABS Global has a vast portfolio of innovations for the genetic progress of the world’s cattle herd and a partnership with producers to transform how the world is nourished. ABS Global, one of the largest biotechnology companies in the world, celebrates eight decades of partnering with more than 40,000 of the world’s dairy and beef producers to put safe, responsible, and nutritious animal protein on our tables. “Throughout our history, we have always had a clear focus on presenting solutions that would meet the objectives of the producers, bringing genetic progress to the customers and generating profit for the entire production chain,” said Nate Zwald, COO Dairy at ABS Global. “In order to accomplish this, we commit our efforts and investments very seriously with the
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consumer in mind.” Founded in 1941, the company presented what would be the biggest technological revolution in the history of livestock: frozen semen, still considered today to be the best tool to achieve genetic progress. This new solution was shown in 1953, followed by the development of the first cylinder for storage of frozen semen using liquid nitrogen. “It was a complete transformation of the industry. These technologies paved the way for the future and signaled what ABS’s role in the industry would be: continuously developing cutting edge technology to contribute to the continuous improvement of animal genetics,” said ABS Global COO Beef, Jerry Thompson. Better genetics means better animals. Better animals mean more nutritious protein readily available to meet the growing demands of consumers. Today present in 70 countries, ABS genetics are delivered tailor made to each producer with a focus on technology. Some of the tools offered: • Genetic Management System
The Carolina Cattle Connection q JULY 2021
– these are all going to be areas where we stay in close conversation with the administration to make sure NCBA members’ voices are strongly represented.” In last month’s report from the Department of Interior, one of six initial recommendations focuses specifically on agriculture. NCBA is engaged in proactive and constant communication to make sure the White House understands the vital role producers play in safeguarding our natural landscapes. NCBA was pleased to see many of the recommendations we fought hard for included in the final language, including: • Incentivize voluntary conservation efforts and provide new sources of income for producers • Improve the effectiveness of USDA conservation programs through the 2023 Farm Bill • Leverage public-private partnerships and prioritize the expertise of ag producers
• Create jobs in rural America that support science driven stewardship and conservation efforts •Support the voluntary conservation efforts of private landowners and protect private property rights Glover noted that avoiding misinformation or scare tactics will be crucial to staying on track in negotiations in the months to come. “At this time, we have not seen or heard any indication from the administration that they are seeking to reduce the amount of beef Americans produce and consume. In fact, the administration has made a point of saying they have no plans to take actions to reduce consumption now or in the future,” she said. The administration’s USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has pushed back publicly against concerns that 30x30 will make aggressive use of eminent domain, saying that this plan is not a federal land grab. The Economics of Environmentalism
(1965) - The world’s first mating program allows dairy farmers to choose what their individual herd goals are, allowing them to be more profitable. • Real World Data® (2008) - It’s a database that indicates real results from real dairy producers. It contains more than 30 million cow records sourced from more than 2,000 herds from around the globe. • Sexcel® Sexed Genetics (2017) This 21st century sexed genetic technology is produced by IntelliGen Technologies. This allows farmers to get the sex they want, which helps them successfully grow their herd from within with the best genetics. • NuEra Genetics™ (2017) - A genetic program that provides customers access to continuous genetic improvement and a wider array of tailored evaluations and indexes that deliver genetic progress and profit faster. The next steps. The world population is growing and in need of healthy and accessible protein. ABS is dedicated to its commitment to genetic progress of the world herd to meet this demand. Right now, on average, more than 40 cows are bred to ABS genetics every minute. “Our investment in Research and Development grows every day, with a specific focus on presenting efficient and sustainable solutions to our customers. A focus that makes us sure that the next decades will be guided by many innovations and pioneering tools that will positively impact consumer access to
animal protein,” concludes Zwald. From air dropped parachutes of fresh semen to frozen semen straws to sexed genetics, it’s a rich and storied history, and ABS is the future. “ABS has stood the test of time by constantly evolving to be a global leader in creating value for the dairy and beef industry and our customers,” said Thompson. “The future is bright!” “Over the past 80 years, ABS has had quite a run of innovations that have left a positive mark in the industry and with our customers. None of this would be possible without our passionate team of people that strive to put the customers’ needs first every day. Looking ahead to the next 80 years and pondering what’s possible is not only exciting, but inspirational,” said Zwald. About ABS. Headquartered in DeForest, Wis., ABS Global is the world leading provider of bovine genetics, reproduction services, artificial insemination technologies, and udder care products. Marketing in more than 70 countries around the globe, ABS has been at the forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941. The experience of ABS runs 80 years deep, 70 countries wide, and 1,600 colleagues strong. ABS Global is a division of Genus plc.
